The 19-year-old academy product deepens his bond with the Catalan club, insisting that not every youngster can realize such a dream at the top level during the renewal ceremony.
Alejandro Balde stood at the center of attention as FC Barcelona announced his contract extension until 2028 on Thursday. The 19-year-old left back spoke to the press, emphasizing that not every child can fulfill the dream of making the first team while hoping to stay for many more seasons in the Barcelona fold.
These are the most notable moments Balde shared during the ceremony:
- “I have spent 13 years at this club. My memories are all positive. I arrived here at age six or seven with the dream of reaching the first team, and today that dream has become reality.”
- “It was always in my thoughts, though it seemed very difficult. The path is long, demanding constant hard work and sacrifices. Not every kid can achieve that dream.”
- “I want to keep contributing as I have, or even better. I am only 19, I still have room to grow and learn. It will take several more years; I’m 24 and still very young. I hope to stay here for many more years.”
- “We started very well. We have an incredible squad, full of talent. On a personal level, I continue learning and improving. That remains my main objective.”
- “No regrets outweigh the decision. Every player has his own story, and the journey with the number 3 has been meaningful. Geri wore it for 15 years; he is a legend and a reference, and I wear it with great pride.”
- “All my friends follow Verneda. I try to visit whenever possible, because that is where I grew up. The whole neighborhood is proud.”
Barcelona had confirmed Balde’s contract extension on the eve of the ceremony, securing the left back’s future with the club through 2028 and setting a notable release clause in the vicinity of a billion euros.
The renewal ceremony took place on the grass of the Tito Vilanova pitch at Joan Gamper Sports City on Thursday, September 21, around 1:15 p.m., with the event drawing attention from supporters and media alike.
“With this extension, Balde reaffirms his role as a key offensive outlet on the left flank. He joined FC Barcelona in 2011 at eight years old, and since then he has progressed through several levels, even appearing in youth matches while still a cadet,” reads the club’s official update.
The Catalans also highlight that in the 2020/21 season the player caught the eye of the first team. That year he joined preseason duties and later debuted in a friendly match against Nàstic. His strong performances earned him a place with the first team, where he began the season as a substitute for Jordi Alba.
“Since his debut Balde has shown himself to be physically and technically gifted, a winger with explosive pace that allows him to join the attack. To date, he has already made 56 appearances for the first team, with 43 coming as a youth player, recording 11 goals and six assists.”
Attribution: Goal